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Netfilix streaming has a movie selection that is somewhat lacking, but they are venturing into releasing their own movies, and there was some really good buzz surrounding this one. I’ve also heard Idris Elba’s name mentioned a lot lately and wanted to see what he could do in this role (not disappointed). And finally I’ve read and viewed a little bit about the disturbing situation with child soldiers in certain parts of Africa. All of this compelled me to watch this movie.

The story follows Agu, a young boy in war torn West Africa. As Government army forces encroach on his village, his mother and younger sister are sent to the capital to seek safety. All leftover men are declared rebel soldiers and executed. Agu manages to escape to the jungle surrounding his village, but only after his father and brother are killed. He is mostly helpless and is soon picked up by a group of rebel soldiers led by the “Commandant” (Idris Elba). He is given the “choice” to go through initiation and join them. He joins and as time goes on, he is somewhat favored by the “Commandant” a charismatic leader who almost comes off as a heroic figure, giving power to the powerless. As time goes on you realize he is no hero. He is willing to do whatever it takes to further his career in the rebel army, he never really cares about the children and uses psychological warfare to keep them loyal and willing to do anything. Agu’s goal is to do what he must to survive get back to his mother and sister. However, along the way, he feels his innocence and childhood being lost. The movie is heartbreaking but ends on a hopeful note.

The acting of the two leads in this movie is amazing, particularly the young Abraham Attah. Early in the movie Agu’s older brother wonders why his father goes easier on him, and Agu replies that it is because everybody loves him. And you do love his character and you are rooting for him to survive this without losing himself. I also felt the occasional narration of Agu speaking to God about what he has done was a very strong component of the movie. I actually liked Attah’s portrayal of Agu so much, I was hoping they would not have to switch out at some point for a older version of him.

The film is also shot beautifully. Despite the grisly circumstances of war, the colors and the landscapes were very captivating.

There were a few downsides for me. It did seem to lose a little momentum near the 3/4 mark which is tough with a long movie. Also the resolution of the Commandants storyline seemed a little anticlimactic. Maybe these can be forgiven since it is a realistic movie and sometimes war drags on and people’s stories don’t always come to an exciting close.

This is a well done movie with exceptional acting by its two leads. It’s worth watching just for Abraham Attah’s heartbreaking performance.

Reviewed by: Phillip Lane on January 1, 2016